Customer Reviews

Lovable Lyle (Lyle the Crocodile)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I was a Kid I used to love the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile books, especially this book, Lovable Lyle. I also used to have the tape with Gwen Verdon reading this one and two other Lyle Stories. This is easily one of the best Lyle books.

In this book, almost everybody loved Lyle the Crocodile until one day Clover Sue Hipple (a new friend to young Joshua Primm) started putting hate mail under Lyle's door. Nobody knew who was doing this, until one day Mrs. Primm caught the note writer and found out why she was angry with Lyle. She invited Clover's mother to meet Lyle, only to end the visit with the crocodile falling on both Mrs Hipple and Mrs Primm. Mrs Hipple threatened to have Lyle arrested. But at the beach the next week, Lyle saved Clover's life, and won over both Clover and her mother. This is such a wonderful book, and I will always remember it because it got me in trouble once when I was in the fifth grade for sending a hate letter to my little sister's friend after she hit me.

If you have children, then buy this book at once.

Robert Metz olddilsey@yahoo.com

I think this is a good book to teach your children to accept people (or in this case, a talking crocodile) for who they are. It validates children's fears and handles normal feelings one might have with new friends moving in and playing with his or her existing friends. Yes, some might not feel the "I hate you" letters are appropriate. However, if your child is finding enjoyment in this book rather than hearing even more unappropriate language on Nick Jr., then I think they made the better choice! I loved it as a child, and my children love it!

This is a book that I have loved since I had it as a child. Icontinue to give it as agifts and every child I know loves it. Eachstory has a kind lesson and funny happenings that kids love!

This Lyle book is one of my 6 year old grandson's favorites. I was very interested in reading the few negative reviews because otherwise you are preaching to the converted. I never thought it would inspire a child to copy the behavior of Clover Sue Hipple. On the contrary, I thought it showed how a hateful bullying message could hurt a loving person (in this case a crocodile) & how terribly wrong it was . The way Lyle & Mrs. Primm handled it was also a good lesson. I am always interested in the intelligent (most are) opinions of those who disagree with me.

I received this book when I was a little girl...way back when it was written. My original copy is much loved and I wanted to continue to be able to share it with my children and grandchildren. I am so glad it is still in print. Wonderful story - wonderful message.

The Lyle the Crocodile books are some of my favorites from childhood. I buy them as gifts for every child I know.

Lyle is just so lovable.

Unfortunately... not everybody thinks so. Some people are irrationally prejudiced against the idea of living with a crocodile, imagine! He's been getting hate mail. (Oh dear.)

Luckily, his charm and heroism save the day (again) and he wins over everybody.

This one is a bit wordy - save it for the older end of the 4-8 crowd.

Lyle is a kind, gentle crocodile that lives with the Primm family on East 88th Street. Everyone loves Lyle, so it is surprising when the crocodile starts receiving hate notes through the mail slot. No one is able to catch the person leaving the notes, and each note expresses a growing detest of the lovable reptile. Lyle becomes very disturbed by the notes, and endeavors to be even nicer than he was before, helping strangers and using his manners whenever he has the opportunity. But the letters keep arriving.

Finally, the family notices a little girl hanging around the house. The little girl, called Clover, is new to the neighborhood and runs away each time the family tries to greet her. Mrs. Primm eventually catches Clover red-handed as she is about to drop a note through the slot. But why does Clover hate Lyle so much?

The story is an excellent example of overcoming prejudice. Lyle has a enemy because people tend to fear what they don't understand, not because he has done anything to offend anyone. It teaches children what harm can come from ignorance and hate. In the end, the oppressed takes the high road and triumphs while the oppressor sees the error of their ways.

This is a great contribution to the Lyle universe, an interesting episode in that wacky, lovable crocodile's life. It is also a terrific commentary on race/ethnic relations in the U.S. What seems to be one woman's random hatred of a reptile and the effects of her animosity (i.e., her daughter becomes a blind hater, too) can be read as an allegory for the difficult negotiations of majority and minority communities in America. Originally published in 1969, this narrative clearly comments on the irrationality of discrimination and serves as a teaching tool for parents looking to guide their children toward a path of tolerance and acceptance. Incredible feat for a simple little book.

Lyle suffers when he is threatened with hate mail. Overcome with fear himself, Lyle makes matters worse when he hides in a closet. The only solution to Lyle's problem is "be yourself." Only then, can Lovable Lyle save the day.